This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with Phoenix Biomedical, a startup working to increase accessibility in prosthetic care by creating a modular below-the-knee prosthetic. Phoenix’s mission is to make adaptable, affordable prosthetics that will change the way prosthetic users receive repairs and replacements, eliminating delays and unpredictable costs.

Phoenix’s plug-and-play prosthetic allows users to replace parts at home due to the subscription-based telehealth model that accompanies it. The telehealth access will enable users to have virtual visits with their Phoenix prosthetist and receive delivery of replacement parts to their homes. Phoenix users will have access to ongoing support, maintenance, and telehealth-based adjustments, helping ensure users don’t just get a prosthetic device, but also the long-term care needed to maintain it.

My role as the summer Research and Development Intern was focused on both technical design and product development. As a biomedical engineering major, working on innovation in the healthcare space is exactly what I wanted to do this summer. On the engineering side, I contributed to refining the mechanical components of the prosthetic system, which included creating and editing CAD models, running through iterations of the prototype, and working alongside mechanics to fabricate the metal components of the prosthetic. Alongside the founder Lili Hostetler and fellow intern Kaitlyn Thornton, ideal materials for the 3D-printed socket were determined through durability testing to ensure that they were durable, functional, and cost-effective.

My internship was made possible through the Skandalaris LaunchPad program, which connects students to entrepreneurial ventures. I am deeply grateful for their support, not only for introducing me to Phoenix but for providing mentorship and guidance throughout the summer. The various workshops, reverse IdeaBounce, and Summer Expo pushed me to think like an entrepreneur, not just an engineer, so that I could contribute to Phoenix in more ways than one. Through this internship, I was able to expand my engineering skill set as well as learn new skills in the realm of entrepreneurship and even finance.

Working with Phoenix gave me a first-hand look at the intersection of engineering, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. I was able to experience how small, dedicated teams move quickly and iterate constantly to innovate and make a real difference. I also learned that designing for accessibility isn’t just about lowering costs; it’s about building systems and services that adapt to people’s real lives and have the opportunity to make a real impact.

This experience working for Phoenix reaffirmed my passion for developing medical devices that prioritize both functionality and accessibility. I’m excited to carry these lessons forward as I continue my studies in biomedical engineering and pursue a career in the medical device industry.

The Skandalaris Launchpad summer internship program is an immersive 10-week experience that provides access and insight into the dynamic environment and needs of an early-stage startup. This program is designed to enhance entrepreneurial skills, provide tools and resources for professional development, and immerse students in the greater St. Louis ecosystem. Intern stipends are provided by the generous support of Skandalaris Center donors.